Hosting or contributing to a vegan Thanksgiving for the first time doesn’t have to be stressful. Even if you’re completely new to plant-based cooking, there are countless dishes that are simple, comforting, and guaranteed to impress. The key to beginner-friendly vegan Thanksgiving recipes is choosing ingredients you already know, using straightforward techniques, and focusing on flavor rather than complexity.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover a variety of easy, reliable vegan Thanksgiving recipes for beginners—perfect whether you’re cooking for a full holiday gathering or preparing a cozy meal at home. Each recipe uses accessible ingredients, minimal prep work, and beginner-approved steps that help you build confidence in the kitchen. You’ll also find helpful tips to make your Thanksgiving more enjoyable, plus a reminder that you can show your compassion proudly with vegan-themed organic cotton apparel from The Dharma Store.
Let’s explore beginner-friendly vegan dishes that bring all the warmth, tradition, and comfort of Thanksgiving to your table.
Why Beginner-Friendly Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes Matter
For new cooks—or anyone new to plant-based eating—holiday meals can seem intimidating. But vegan Thanksgiving cooking doesn’t need special culinary skills, expensive ingredients, or hard-to-find substitutes. In fact, some of the best vegan dishes rely on simple whole foods like vegetables, grains, legumes, herbs, and fruit. These basics are affordable, easy to prepare, and versatile enough to create a feast that feels festive and deeply satisfying.
Ideal for New Vegans
If you’ve recently adopted a vegan lifestyle, Thanksgiving can feel like a big culinary hurdle. Beginner-friendly recipes allow you to enjoy the holiday without feeling overwhelmed.
Perfect for Non-Vegan Hosts
If you’re preparing vegan dishes for someone else, you’ll appreciate recipes that are simple, approachable, and universally appealing.
Great for Busy Cooks
Thanksgiving comes with plenty of tasks already, so streamlined recipes help take the pressure off. Many of the recipes in this guide can be made ahead of time or require minimal hands-on work.
Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Mains for Beginners
A Thanksgiving main course sets the tone for the entire meal. Fortunately, vegan mains don’t have to be elaborate or difficult. These beginner-friendly options rely on recognizable ingredients and uncomplicated steps while still delivering that festive holiday feel.
Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash looks elegant but takes very little technique. The natural sweetness of squash pairs perfectly with savory stuffing.
How to Make It
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Slice acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
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Brush with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast until tender.
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While it roasts, prepare the stuffing: sauté onion, celery, apple, garlic, and herbs, then stir in cooked quinoa or rice and dried cranberries.
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Fill the roasted squash halves and bake briefly to warm through.
This dish looks impressive, but the process is simple and easily customizable.
Easy Lentil Vegetable Stew
If you prefer a one-pot main dish, a hearty lentil vegetable stew is foolproof and flavorful.
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly
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One pot means less cleanup.
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Lentils cook quickly and don’t require soaking.
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Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms provide comforting texture.
Served with bread or mashed potatoes, this warm, rustic stew makes an excellent Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas
For absolute simplicity, build your main around a sheet pan of roasted vegetables and seasoned chickpeas. It’s full of variety and extremely easy.
Steps
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Toss vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and onions with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary.
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Add drained chickpeas for protein and texture.
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Roast until everything is golden and tender.
It’s unfussy, nourishing, and adaptable for any flavor profile.
Beginner-Friendly Vegan Thanksgiving Sides
Sides are where a Thanksgiving meal comes alive. Luckily, many classic sides convert effortlessly to vegan versions without complicated substitutions.
Classic Mashed Potatoes (Vegan and Easy)
Mashed potatoes are among the simplest Thanksgiving dishes to veganize.
Basic Recipe
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Boil peeled potatoes until soft.
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Drain and mash with vegan butter or olive oil.
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Add oat or almond milk until fluffy.
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Season with salt, pepper, and optional roasted garlic.
Anyone can master this dish with ease.
Simple Vegan Stuffing
Traditional stuffing is easy to veganize with vegetable broth and plenty of herbs.
Ingredients
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Cubed bread
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Onion and celery
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Vegetable broth
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Sage, thyme, and rosemary
Toast the bread beforehand for extra texture. Mix everything together and bake until golden.
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are nearly foolproof and always popular.
Method
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Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Roast until crispy and browned.
They pair beautifully with any Thanksgiving main.
Maple-Glazed Carrots
This sweet, comforting side requires only a handful of ingredients.
Ingredient List
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Carrots
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Maple syrup
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
Roast until the carrots caramelize and develop rich flavor.
Green Beans with Lemon and Almonds
A lighter side adds balance to the Thanksgiving table.
Steps
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Steam or sauté green beans.
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Toss with lemon juice, toasted almonds, and a touch of olive oil.
This dish is elegant yet incredibly simple.
Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Salads for Beginners
Salads shouldn’t be skipped on Thanksgiving—they bring vibrant color and fresh contrast to heavier dishes. Here are simple, no-fuss options anyone can prepare.
Fall Harvest Salad
Combine spinach or mixed greens with sliced apples, dried cranberries, and walnuts.
Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
This salad comes together in minutes and tastes seasonal.
Roasted Beet and Orange Salad
If you can roast beets, you can make this salad.
How to Prepare
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Roast beets until tender.
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Slice and toss with orange segments, greens, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
The colors make this dish stunning on any Thanksgiving table.
Foolproof Vegan Thanksgiving Gravies and Sauces
No Thanksgiving plate is complete without gravy and sauce. Vegan gravies may seem intimidating, but simple versions are easy to master.
Quick Mushroom Gravy
A beginner-friendly gravy can be made in under 20 minutes.
Steps
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Sauté mushrooms and garlic.
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Add flour and stir until combined.
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Slowly pour in vegetable broth.
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Simmer until thickened.
You don’t need soy sauce or advanced techniques—just patience while it reduces.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is remarkably easy and tastes far better than canned versions.
Basic Ingredients
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Fresh cranberries
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Water
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Sugar or maple syrup
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Orange zest (optional)
Simmer until the berries burst and the sauce thickens. That’s it.
Beginner-Friendly Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts
Dessert is often the easiest part of a vegan Thanksgiving because fruit, oats, spices, chocolate, and coconut-based products naturally lend themselves to plant-based cooking.
Easy Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie can be made vegan using coconut milk and a store-bought vegan crust.
Filling Ingredients
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Pumpkin puree
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Coconut milk
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Sugar or maple syrup
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Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
Whisk everything together, pour into the crust, and bake until set. It’s almost impossible to mess up.
Simple Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is one of the most beginner-friendly desserts out there.
How to Make
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Layer sliced apples with cinnamon and a touch of sweetener.
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Mix oats, flour, sugar, and coconut oil for the topping.
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Bake until golden.
It’s warm, comforting, and requires no rolling, shaping, or specialty tools.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (Vegan Version)
This no-bake dessert is perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
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Melted vegan chocolate
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Peanut butter
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Maple syrup
Layer the ingredients in muffin cups and freeze. Holiday dessert made easy.
Tips for New Vegans Cooking Thanksgiving for the First Time
Going vegan for Thanksgiving can feel like a major shift, but with a bit of strategy, you can enjoy a stress-free cooking experience.
Keep Your Menu Small
Beginners often try to cook too many dishes. Choose a simple main, two to three sides, and one dessert for a manageable, enjoyable cooking day.
Prep Ahead When Possible
Many vegan dishes can be prepared in advance:
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Stuffing
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Casseroles
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Desserts
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Salads (minus dressing)
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Roasted vegetables
Prepare what you can the day before to avoid overwhelm.
Don’t Overcomplicate Ingredients
Vegan cooking doesn’t require exotic substitutes. Focus on:
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Potatoes
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Squash
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Broth
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Herbs
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Beans
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Rice
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Fruits
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Oats
Simple ingredients can create spectacular dishes.
Taste as You Go
Seasoning is your best friend. Tasting throughout the process ensures your dishes turn out flavorful, balanced, and satisfying.
Share Your Vegan Values Proudly
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate compassion, gratitude, and intention. If you want to express your vegan lifestyle through fashion during the holiday, explore the organic cotton vegan-themed shirts at The Dharma Store.
Final Thoughts
Vegan Thanksgiving cooking doesn’t need to be complicated, especially if you’re just getting started. With easy ingredients, simple techniques, and beginner-friendly recipes, you can prepare a holiday meal that’s warm, delicious, and memorable for all the right reasons. From effortless mains like roasted squash and lentil stew to classic sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing, each dish in this guide helps you create a welcoming Thanksgiving feast without stress.
Whether you’re a new vegan, a curious cook, or a host preparing for guests with dietary preferences, these vegan Thanksgiving recipes for beginners will help build your confidence and fill your table with festive, comforting dishes. Enjoy cooking, enjoy learning, and most importantly—enjoy a beautiful, plant-powered Thanksgiving.